2017 NFL Draft: Kansas City Chiefs Post-Free Agency 7-Round Mock Draft
Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs were quiet to begin free agency, but can get help they need in the 2017 NFL Draft. A 7-round mock draft for KC.
The Kansas City Chiefs have a total of 10 picks to spend in a very deep draft. The needs they have as far as starters go may not be fully addressed, but the Chiefs have few holes as it is. Outside of the uncertainty at inside linebacker, corner, and quarterback, the Chiefs should have no difficulty making it back to the playoffs.
All three positions could be drafted in the first three rounds. However, Kansas City has shown in the past that they are more interested in taking the best player available rather than forcing a pick. Fans can count on the combination of Andy Reid and John Dorsey to do what is best for the future of the team. This is shown by the quality of the past two drafts alone.
Here we'll try to find the best players that will be available for the Chiefs in each round with this 7-round mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 27: Dalvin Cook, RB – Florida State
There is a really good chance that a talent like Cook falls this low. The days of early first rounders spent on running backs are (almost entirely) long gone. A class this deep at the position allows teams to address more pressing needs during the first round. Cook is a Jamaal Charles like runner in his size and quickness. He may even match the speed of Charles, so his style will fit the offense nicely.
One team that could nab Cook ahead of the Chiefs is Philadelphia who visited with the young man earlier on Friday. If the Chiefs fail to grab Cook, they can get any number of talented running backs in later rounds.
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Round 2, Pick 42: Patrick Mahomes, QB – Texas Tech
(Via Projected Trade with Buffalo Bills)
Most mock drafts don't predict trades, but I will here simply because the Chiefs have a vacant spot at backup quarterback. The Bills are probably thinking that they need a quarterback as well, but should find Kansas City's offer of a second- and fifth-rounder ( No. 170) too enticing to pass on. Thus, the Chiefs find their quarterback of the future as long as he doesn't start right away. A year behind Alex Smith and a talented group of wide receivers ought to bring along Patrick Mahomes well—not to mention Andy Reid's history of getting the best out of his quarterbacks.
Round 3, Pick 91: Sidney Jones, CB – Washington
Many had Sidney Jones as one of the top picks at his position this year. After a healthy combine, his pro day at Washington happened. Jones went down during one of his drills and was unable to walk off without help. Turns out, he ruptured his achilles tendon. The Chiefs know all about that injury as they've dealt with three in the past three years to starters on their defense. It can be a tough injury to come back from, but corner is not a desperate need. They have a solid place holder in Terrance Mitchell, who ended 2016 very well for the team. He would only need to start five to six games and Jones could possibly step in then.
Round 3, Pick 104: Anthony Walker, ILB – Northwestern
Another pick that could be off the board by the time the Chiefs roll around late in the third round. However, Anthony Walker does not read to most scouts like a Day 1 starter, so he could still be there. The Chiefs have their middle linebackers that are "good enough" for a playoff run, but they should replace Derrick Johnson soon. This may be Johnson's last season and, if Walker can drop some of his weight to be more athletic, he could be a good replacement.
Jan 25, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA;North squad defensive tackle Ryan Glasgow of Michigan (96) participates in a drill during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Round 4, Pick 132: Ryan Glasgow, DT – Michigan
Built like a nose tackle, but not quite big enough, Glasgow would fit well paired up with Bennie Logan on first and second down. He lacks a true pass rush, but could be solid as a run stuffer or eat a block here and there. What the Chiefs would really appreciate is his work ethic. Glasgow walked on at Michigan and would have been a three-year starter had he not injured his pectoral muscle his junior year. His toughness and tenacity should remind Chiefs fans of Mike DeVito who has a similar build.
Round 5, Pick 180: Jeremy Sprinkle, TE – Arkansas
The Chiefs don't need a deep threat at tight end, but a red zone target and a solid blocker. Sprinkle provides both. Rather than a mirror for Travis Kelce the Chiefs would have a compliment. With the questions surrounding Demetrius Harris it is a smart bet that the Chiefs will pick up a tight end. The best place to do that may be in the fifth round.
Round 6, Pick 216: Avery Moss, EDGE – Youngstown St
If healthy, the Chiefs have some of the best pass rushers in the league. The problem lies at the age of Tamba Hali and the injury history of Justin Houston. If either can't be a strong threat rushing the passer then the Chiefs will need to look to their depth. Moss is not a game breaker by any means, but he can learn. His raw athleticism and length gives him major upside going into the NFL.
Round 6, Pick 218: ArDarius Stewart, WR- Alabama
The Alabama prospect has flown under the radar as he played for the 87th ranked pass offense this past season. Even still, he was able to haul in 54 catches for 864 yards. That led the Crimson Tide in yardage, as well as doing so in receiving touchdowns. The Chiefs have speed on their roster, but the depth on the team lacks the hands to be relied upon consistently. Providing depth is key when the roster has few holes to begin with.
Round 7, Pick 245: Jay Guillermo, G – Clemson
Guillermo played center at Clemson, but the Chiefs are fond of moving guys around. He grades better in pass protection than run blocking because of his smaller frame. He fits with the Chiefs as he spent three years blocking in a pass first system and in front of a athletic quarterback, Deshaun Watson. His size is really the only concern. As a guard or as a center, Guillermo provides depth on the offensive line.
